LONDON — People still recognise many of Princess Diana's outfits decades later. A photograph might bring back a particular event, or remind someone of a look they saw in a magazine years ago. But finding the story behind the clothes can take a bit more digging.

Who made the suit? Was the hat by the same designer? Did Diana wear it again?

The Princess Diana Museum has been recording these details in its online collection. One example is the white suit by Tomasz Starzewski, worn by Diana at the VJ Day 50th anniversary celebrations in London in 1995. The matching hat was designed by Philip Somerville. The museum's entry also records that Diana wore the outfit during a private meeting with Queen Elizabeth II in early 1996.

It is a small record, but it gives people a few things to follow up on instead of leaving them with the photograph alone.

“When people look at Diana's clothes, they often remember exactly how an outfit looked. They may not know who made it, though, or realise she'd worn it on another occasion,” a museum representative said. “We want to keep those details together. They can get lost over time, and once they're missing, they're not always easy to put back.”

There is also a reason to name the people behind an outfit. The Starzewski suit and Somerville hat have separate credits. That might sound like a minor distinction, but it keeps the work of both designers in the record.

The Princess Diana Museum is part of The Princess & The Platypus Foundation, a nonprofit that collects, researches and exhibits historical objects connected to Diana. Its collection includes fashion, photographs, personal items and other pieces from different periods of her life.

Not every visitor will want to spend time looking up a designer or tracing the history of a particular garment. For those who do, having the information recorded in one place makes the search a little easier.

About The Princess Diana Museum

The Princess Diana Museum is a virtual museum operated by The Princess & The Platypus Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Through its digital collection, exhibitions and educational programs, the organisation works to preserve and share Diana's life and legacy. See More Visit at: https://www.theprincessandtheplatypus.org/tomaszstarzewski